President Donald Trump made a significant announcement on Tuesday regarding the arrest of Mohammad Sharifullah, the individual believed to be responsible for the 2021 Kabul airport bombing. The bombing, which occurred during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, resulted in the tragic deaths of 13 U.S. service members.
Sharifullah was apprehended in Pakistan, with the assistance of local authorities who collaborated with U.S. intelligence agencies. He is now being extradited to the United States, where he will face charges related to his involvement in the deadly bombing.
During his address to Congress, Trump emphasized the importance of the arrest, calling Sharifullah a “top terrorist” and vowing that he would face “the swift sword of American justice.” Trump reiterated his administration’s commitment to holding those responsible for attacks against Americans accountable, no matter how long it takes.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed Sharifullah’s arrest and his pending extradition to the U.S. She reassured the public that the Justice Department, along with the FBI and CIA, was actively working together to ensure his safe custody and bring him to trial.
The bombing took place at Kabul’s Abbey Gate, where U.S. troops and Afghan civilians were waiting to evacuate the country amid the withdrawal. The suicide bomber detonated an explosive device, resulting in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and dozens of Afghan civilians.
Sharifullah is believed to be a senior member of ISIS-K, the terrorist group that claimed responsibility for the bombing. Intelligence reports suggest that Sharifullah played a central role in planning and coordinating the deadly attack that shook the world and further destabilized Afghanistan.
The arrest of Sharifullah followed months of painstaking surveillance and intelligence-sharing efforts between U.S. and Pakistani authorities. Pakistan’s government played a crucial role in helping U.S. officials locate and apprehend the suspect, leading to a successful operation.
Following the arrest, the families of the U.S. service members who lost their lives in the attack were notified. Many of these families expressed a sense of relief, hoping that the arrest would bring justice and closure to their grief.
Trump used the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to pursuing terrorists who harm Americans. “Anyone who harms Americans will be hunted down and brought to justice,” Trump said, sending a strong message to terrorists worldwide that the U.S. will not rest until justice is served.
The extradition process is expected to take several days, as Sharifullah will be transported from Pakistan to the U.S. Once in American custody, Sharifullah will face federal charges related to the Kabul airport bombing, with authorities determined to hold him accountable for the deaths of U.S. service members and Afghan civilians.
This arrest represents a significant victory in the ongoing fight against ISIS-K, the terrorist group responsible for numerous attacks in the region. Experts believe that Sharifullah’s capture could weaken ISIS-K’s ability to carry out future attacks, signaling a blow to the group’s operations and overall influence.
In addition to Sharifullah’s arrest, U.S. officials have intensified efforts to track down and apprehend other members of ISIS-K. Counterterrorism operations remain a high priority for the U.S. government, with several other key operatives still at large, posing an ongoing threat to both American and global security.
As more information emerges regarding Sharifullah’s role in the bombing, U.S. authorities may make additional arrests in connection with the attack. The investigation is ongoing, with intelligence agencies working to gather more details from the suspect that could lead to further breakthroughs in the case.
This arrest marks an important step in holding those responsible for the Kabul airport bombing accountable for their actions. Trump honored the bravery and sacrifice of the U.S. service members lost in the attack, stating, “Their bravery and dedication will always be remembered.”
